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21 - 29 June 2019

Nature Valley International

Devonshire Park

Local time

Nature Valley International: Jubb hits career milestones, Konta kickstarts campaign

  • 2019 WTA Premier logo
  • ATP 250 logo
  • 23/06/2019

  • Major Events

Sunday saw six Brits in action at the Nature Valley International, competing across the opening round of women's main draw action and the final round of men's qualifying. 

19-year-old Paul Jubb from Hull continued his fine form that he's carried throughout the grass court season by defeating world No.81 Andrey Rublev. Jubb's gutsy 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory over the Russian marked his maiden win over a top 100-ranked opponent. 

By prevailing in qualifying (defeating Istomin on Saturday and Rublev on Sunday), Jubb also qualified for an ATP Tour tournament for the first time in his career, and remarkably on his first attempt. He will face American world No.42 Taylor Fritz on Monday, third on Court 1, for a place in the second round. 

James Ward also won his second qualifying match to join Jubb in the main draw of the ATP 250 tournament. The Davis Cup star sailed past qualifing second seed Denis Kudla 6-3, 6-2. 

Whilst Sunday concluded men's qualifying action, the women's main draw also kicked off with British No.1 and local hero Johanna Konta securing a spot in the second round. The 14th seed sealed a dominating 6-2, 6-4 win over Ukrainian world No.35 Dayana Yastremska on Centre Court and will go on to play Greece's Maria Sakkari on Tuesday. 

Konta's Fed Cup teammates Harriet Dart, Katie Swan and Heather Watson were denied second round spots, falling in tough opening round clashes. Dart put up a strong fight against Estonian world No.20 Anett Kontaveit and claimed the first set before suffering a 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 loss. Swan battled back from a set down to force a decider against China's world No.52 Shuai Zhang, who eventually triumphed 7-6(7), 4-6, 6-4 and Watson lost 7-5, 6-2 to French world No.56 Alize Cornet. 

Monday will welcome the opening round of men's draw action with Fernando Verdasco and John Millman kicking off proceedings, and Cam Norrie and Jeremy Chardy closing the day's play on Centre Court. 

Defending women's champion Caroline Wozniacki will also make her 2019 debut, facing Kirsten Flipkens and doubles will be in full swing, with 2018 mens's winners Luke Bambridge and Jonny O'Mara up against fellow Brits Dan Evans and Lloyd Glasspool. James Ward is teaming up with Scott Clayton, Heather Watson and Harriet Dart will return to action as they pair up for a shot in the women's doubles. 

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